Description Of Nest Research Articles

First description of the nest, eggs and nestlings of Scallop-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula loricata

First description of the nest, eggs and nestlings of Scallop-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula loricata

First description of nests, eggs, and nestlings of the Pearly-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila pileata)

ABSTRACT The “capuchinos” form a monophyletic group within the Neotropical seedeaters of the genus Sporophila and are typically smaller than the other congeners. Many of the 12 species of this group are endangered, but reproductive information is scarce for most of them. Here we present the descriptions of nests, eggs, nestlings, and nesting habitats for the Pearly-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila pileata). From 2012 to 2017 we found 83 nests constructed in herbaceous plants present in open marshlands, 15–73 cm above water or humid ground. Nests were deep cups built of grass stems, inflorescences, and rootlets, attached with spider web. Nests measured 59.3 ± 4.7 mm outside diameter, 50.7 ± 6.5 mm outside height, 41.6 ± 3.2 mm internal diameter, and 35.7 ± 3.3 mm internal depth. Eggs were oval with white, grayish, or greenish background color with black and brown spots mainly in the obtuse pole. They weighed 1.2 ± 0.1 g and measured 16.3 ± 0.8 per 12.2 ± 0.3 mm. Clutches consisted of 1–3 eggs. Our study sites...

Nest architecture and parental care in Ruddy Treerunner Margarornis rubiginosus

We complement the only existing nest description for Ruddy Treerunner Margarornis rubiginosus and include observations of nestbuilding and breeding behaviour. We also compare our data with existing information on nest architecture and breeding biology of the closely related Pearled Treerunner M. squamiger and Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens. The nest of Ruddy Treerunner was a pendant closed nest below a single tree branch and was mostly constructed of moss. In the nest base there was a circular entrance and a second cavity. The inner chamber was spherical and the egg cup was mostly constructed of roots, fern scales and other plant fibres. Both adults build the nest and care for chicks. We observed a nest helper and removal of faecal sacs by both adults. Many aspects of nest structure and parental behaviour are similar to those of its sister species, thereby supporting existing genetic data.

Composition of Bird Nests is a Species-Specific Characteristic

Bird nests represent an extended phenotype of individuals expressed during reproduction and so exhibit variability in composition, structure and function. Descriptions of nests based on qualitative observations suggest that there is interspecific variation in size and composition but there are very few species in which this has been confirmed. For these species, data of the amounts of different materials indicate that nest construction behaviour is plastic and affected by a variety of factors, such as prevailing temperature, geographic location, and availability of materials. The lack of data on nest composition is hampering our understanding of how nests achieve their various functions and how different species solve the problem of building a nest that will accommodate incubation and allow successful hatching of eggs. This study deconstructed nests of four species of the Turdidae, four species of the Muscicapidae, and six species of the Fringillidae and quantified the size of the nests and their composition. These data were used to test: (1) whether nest size correlated with adult bird mass; (2) whether it was possible to distinguish between species on the basis of their nest composition; and (3) whether, within a species, it was possible to distinguish between the cup lining and the rest of the nest based on composition. Most but not all nest dimensions correlated with bird mass. Principal component analysis revealed species differences based on nest composition and discriminant analysis could distinguish cup lining from the outer nest based on material composition. Intraspecific variation in composition varied among species and in general fewer types of material were found in the cup lining than the outer nest. These data provide insight into how nests are constructed by the different species and in conjunction with studies of the mechanical, thermal and hydrological properties of a nest, will begin to reveal how and why individual species select particular combinations of materials to build a nest.

Breeding biology of Tyrannus melancholicus (Aves: Tyrannidae) in a restinga reserve of southeastern Brazil

Existing knowledge of the breeding success and life history characteristics of most Neotropical bird species is scarce. Here, we help fill this gap by analyzing aspects of the breeding biology of the Tropical KingbirdTyrannusmelancholicus(Vieillot, 1819), which is a good model for this kind of study as it is a common species occurring in various environments, including urban areas, but little is known about its life history. We provide results concerning the breeding period, clutch size, incubation and nestling periods, description of nests, eggs and nestlings, and the plants used for nest sites by this species. Fifty-four nests were monitored over two seasons (2012–2014) in a protected area in southeastern Brazil. Nesting began at the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season. The frequency of active nests varied according to variations in rainfall for each breeding season analyzed. The means and standard deviations of the incubation period (14.2 ± 1.9 days), nestling period (15.1 ± 0.8 days) and clutch size (2.5 ± 0.7 eggs) were similar to values reported for other Neotropical passerines. Twenty-one plant species used as nest trees and for the construction of the nests were identified. The results show thatT.melancholicusis not highly selective when choosing plant species used for nest construction.

The avifauna of Makira (San Cristobal), Solomon Islands

ABSTRACT The island of Makira in the eastern Solomon Islands is a globally significant priority for bird conservation and, like other islands in Melanesia, its avifauna plays an important role in understanding patterns of biogeography and speciation. Large portions of the island have rarely been visited by ornithologists, however, and published natural history information is limited for many species. We conducted field surveys, interviews, and camera trapping on Makira from October 2015 to February 2016, including the first ornithological surveys in southern Makira. We identify minor differences between the bird communities in the southern and northern parts of the island and report on noteworthy natural history observations, including nest descriptions for Yellow-legged Pigeon (Columba pallidiceps) and Shade Warbler (Horornis parens). We did not detect 3 endangered terrestrial species (Makira Woodhen [Gallinula silvestris], Thick-billed Ground-Dove [Gallicolumba salamonis], and White-bibbed Ground-Dove [...

Nesting Biology ofSchiffornis stenorhyncha(Tityridae)

ABSTRACT.— Historically, the genus Schiffornis has been placed in different families; currently, it is placed within the Tityridae family. Our study focuses on Schiffornis stenorhyncha, recently split from Schiffornis turdina. S. stenorhyncha inhabits lowland humid forests in some regions of Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. Based on one nest found at the foothills of the Magdalena Valley in Colombia during one field season in 2014, we provide the first nest description for S. stenorhyncha. We describe the cup-shaped nest (internal length and width: 22.9 and 18.1 mm, thickness of the nest wall: 30 mm, cup depth: 56.6 mm, external length, width, and height: 139.4 mm, 144.2 mm, 115.7 mm) and the light cream with dark purple spotted eggs (two eggs with average measures of 18.3 × 23.2 mm and 4.49 g) of S. stenorhyncha and present nesting information including nestling descriptions, incubation, and nestling periods (21 and 20 days, respectively), and nest attentiveness information in different stages of the nes...

Nesting Biology of the Black-Throated Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus granadensis) With Notes On Mating Displays

ABSTRACT.— There is limited information on the breeding biology of members of the speciose genus Hemitriccus (Aves: Tyrannidae), published nest descriptions exist for only six of the 22 species. The Black-throated Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus granadensis) is one of these species that lacks information regarding its nesting biology. We provide the first nest, egg, nestling, and incubation behavior descriptions for the species with notes on its courtship behavior. We found three nests and observed one courtship display at three field sites, two in Colombia and one in Peru. The nest of H. granadensis is an enclosed “purse-like” pendant pouch inside of a moss ball suspended from a small branch with a side entrance and obscured by vegetation. Two nests had a single egg, which averaged 18.1 × 12.9 mm and 1.55 g. Egg appearance varied between nests, the egg at the Colombian site was tan and unmarked, whereas the egg at the Peruvian site was bright white with a few scattered, red specks. We cannot describe the full i...

Divergence in nest placement and parental care of Neotropical foliage-gleaners and treehunters (Furnariidae: Philydorini)

The Neotropical ovenbirds (Furnariidae) are an adaptive radiation of suboscines renowned for the diversity of their nests. Like most altricial insectivores, they generally exhibit biparental care. One tribe, Philydorini, includes 46 species thought to nest in either underground burrows or tree cavities, nest types traditionally treated as equivalent in phylogenetic studies. Their parental care systems are poorly known, but could help illuminate how uniparental care – typically associated with frugivory – can arise in insectivores. We examined the extent to which nest placement, parental care, and associated reproductive traits map onto two major clades of Philydorini identified by genetic hypotheses. We review published literature and present new information from the Atlantic Forest of Argentina, including the first nest descriptions for Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaners (Anabacerthia lichtensteini) and Sharp-billed Treehunters (Heliobletus contaminatus). In the Automolus-Thripadectes-Clibanornis clade (including Philydor rufum), 134 of 138 reported nests were in underground burrows. In the Syndactyla-Anabacerthia-Anabazenops clade (including Heliobletus, Philydor atricapillus, and Philydor erythrocercum), 44 of 48 nests were in tree cavities. Remaining nests were in buildings or species-level identification was unclear. At least eight species in the first clade, but none in the second clade, excavated their nest sites. Biparental care was confirmed for nine species in the first clade and one species in the second clade. In contrast, nests of A. lichtensteini and H. contaminatus were attended by a single secretive adult. We propose that species in the Automolus-Thripadectes-Clibanornis clade are underground burrow excavators, and those in the Syndactyla-Anabacerthia-Anabazenops clade are secondary tree-cavity nesters (nonexcavators). We also note that parental care strategies in Furnariidae vary with nest complexity and conspicuousness – from uniparental care in secretive tree-cavity nesters to cooperative breeding in highly vocal builders of elaborate nests – suggesting evolutionary links among nest-building, concealment, and parental care strategies.

First Egg and Standardized Nest Description of the Southern Bristle-Tyrant (Phylloscartes eximius)

ABSTRACT In spite of its relevance, data on nest architecture and egg morphology are lacking for several bird species, especially in the Neotropics. We provide the first egg and standardized nest description of the Southern Bristle-Tyrant (Phylloscartes eximius), a species considered in the genus Pogonotriccus by some authors. Similarly to two other studies, the nest was a closed/globular/lateral structure built mostly with moss and spider web. The only egg we found was clean white and measured 17.1 mm length x 13.5 mm width. Given the plasticity of nest building and the low sample size, more nests should be described to infer relatedness among Phylloscartes and Pogonotriccus using nest architecture. Similarly, more eggs of these species should be described.

New Record of Dolichoderus quadridenticulatus (Roger, 1862) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Amazonas, Brazil

ABSTRACT: This work presents the first record of Dolichoderus quadridenticulatus (Roger, 1862) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Amazonas, Brazil. It also includes the species description, illustrations, nest description, the colony behavior and the geographical distribution map of this species.

First description of the nest and notes on parental care of Oustalet’s Tyrannulet, Phylloscartes oustaleti (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae)

A nest of Phylloscartes oustaleti (Sclater, 1887), collected in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, is described as an ovoid structure with a dome-shaped lateral entrance supported laterally by thin twigs of a shrub. Building material was slender plant fiber interwoven with strands of live moss, which was growing also on twigs around the nest, thus serving to camouflage it. Egg cup was lined by silky material, probably seed down. This nest was found on 13 December 2007 when an adult was spotted carrying food to the nest, located 2.3 m above ground on the edge of secondary forest. Only arthropods were identified in the provisioned food, including mainly insects, but also spiders. General features of this nest conform to those of the few other species of the genus whose nests are known. Available records of Oustalet's Tyrannulet nests are consistent with the previously postulated September to December breeding season for the species, although one record of a bird carrying nest material in early August suggests the breeding season may extend earlier. Detailed nest descriptions are needed from a larger number of species before intra- and interspecific variation in nesting can be adequately appreciated in evolutionary or purely taxonomic contexts in this genus.

Seasonal Cycles, Nests, and Social Behavior of Some Colombian Halictine Bees (Hymenoptera; Apoidea)

This papel contains descriptions of nests and information on seasonal cycles and social behavior of four halictine bees, Habralictus bimaculatus, Caenohalictus eberhardorum, Lasioglossum (Dialictus) seabrai, and L. (D.) breedi. Data are also included on two parasitic halictine bees, both of the genus Microsphecodes. The Habralictus and Caenohalictus nest in aggregations; individual nests are occupicd by one to several bees. There are no castes and within a nest containing two el more bees the relationships are communal or possibly quasisocial. The two species of Lasioglossum (Dialictus) nest in diffuse and often small aggregations. The colonies have mean populations of little over two bees, but there are weakly differentiated queens and workers, especially in L. seabrai. Activities were similar in both wet and dry seasons, so far as known.

Australian and New Guinean Stingless Bees of the Genus Austroplebeia Moure (Hymenoptera: Apidae)--a revision.

The stingless bee genus Austroplebeia Moure occurring in Australia and New Guinea is revised, based on a morphological analysis of samples from 177 colonies. Five species are recognised: A. cincta (Mocsáry), A. essingtoni (Cockerell), A. australis (Friese), A. cassiae (Cockerell) and A. magna, sp. nov. Three different colour morphs of A. australis are described. Five new synonymies are proposed: A. cockerelli (Rayment), A. ornata (Rayment), A. percincta (Cockerell) and A. websteri (Rayment) = A. australis; A. symei (Rayment) = A. cassiae. Workers, males and queens are described for all species. Populations of A. cincta, recently found in Queensland, Australia, are compared with A. cincta from the type locality and other areas in New Guinea. A lectotype is designated for A. percincta (Cockerell). Provenance of type material is discussed. A key to the species, distributions and nest descriptions are provided.

The coevolution of building nests on the ground and domed nests in Timaliidae

Despite the accumulation of structural descriptions of bird nests and considerable diversity in these structures across species, we know little about why birds build the nests that they do. Here we used phylogenetic comparative analyses to test one suggested explanation, specifically for Old World babblers (Timaliidae): that building a domed nest coevolved with building a nest on the ground. We show that babblers that build domed nests build them at a lower height than do babblers that build cup-shaped nests, and that in this radiation the evolution of domed nests depended on the transition to building a nest on the ground. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that babblers add a roof to the nest in order to confer protection against increased predation risk on the ground. We believe that this is the first formal identification of evolutionary pathways that have led to the diversity in nest structure and location that we see today.

Nesting biology of the Black Antbird (Cercomacroides serva)

ABSTRACT The Black Antbird (Cercomacroides serva) inhabits the east Andean foothills and Amazonian lowlands from Colombia to north Bolivia and western Brazil. It is uncommon throughout its distribution. We provide the first nest and egg description for C. serva with detailed information on bi-parental incubation and nestling feeding behavior. We found four nests at two elevations in the buffer zone of Manu National Park in southeastern Peru. The C. serva nest is a pensile hanging cup, much higher at the back that at the front, made with dark fibers, dry leaves, sticks and fresh moss. The entrance was strongly oblique in three of the four nests. Egg coloration varied between and within the two eggs clutch size. On average, parents made 5.7 ± 2.08 (±SD) foraging trips per day that lasted 39.2 ± 36.17 mins, resulting in 84.6 ± 9.2% nest attentiveness. Both sexes share daytime incubation, but night incubation was exclusively conducted by the female. Nest attentiveness did not differ between males and females,...

First Nest Record of Red-throated Caracara (Ibycter americanus) for Middle America

Abstract Populations of Red-throated Caracaras (Ibycter americanus) have been extirpated or are in serious decline throughout Middle America. We describe the first nest outside South America and provide only the third nest description for the species. We observed four adults and one immature Red-throated Caracara provide cooperative care to a single nestling at a nest in a region dominated by pine-oak forest in departamento (dpto.) de Olancho, Honduras. The nest was a bowl-shaped structure of branches and pine needles located at the mid-canopy level of a pine tree (Pinus oocarpa), and is the first nest described in an ecosystem other than humid broadleaf forest. We report the first observation of adult Red-throated Caracaras using a nest as a short-term food cache, as well as the first observation of Red-throated Caracara taking fledgling birds as prey. Although Red-throated Caracaras are considered a resident of humid broadleaf forest, we suggest that pine-oak forests may be an important habitat for the ...

Breeding ecology of the fulvous parrotbill (Paradoxornis fulvifrons) in Wawushan Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China

We studied the breeding ecology of the fulvous parrotbill (Paradoxornis fulvifrons) and provide the first description of nests, eggs, fledglings, nesting behaviour and nest sites from China. Nests were bowl-shaped built by both sexes mainly of bamboo leaves, fibrous roots and mosses. They were located within dense bamboo clusters, about 0.70–1.90 m above the ground. The clutch size averaged (mean ± SD) 3.38 ± 0.72 (n = 16) and eggs were oval, pale blue in colour, weighing 1.24 ± 0.10 g (n = 13). Both pair-bond members incubated eggs and shared nestling care. Compared with control sites, the nest sites (n = 33) had smaller canopy closure (73 ± 12% vs 84 ± 16%). Overall nesting success was 18.18% (6/33). We concluded that human disturbance (i.e. tourist hiking on paths close to nest sites) might prompt nest desertion causing the low reproductive success of fulvous parrotbill in the reserve.

Further contributions on the description of the nest, eggs and nesting habitat of the Mexican micro-endemic and near threatened Rose-bellied Bunting (Passerina rositae)

While assessing species density, abundance, and distribution through transects and point counts for the near threatened species Rose-bellied Bunting, Passerina rositae, we found two active nests on two hillsides characterized by tropical dry deciduous forest on the western slope of its restricted range in the Sierra Tolistoque, in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. In both cases, we found no evidence of human disturbance and no proximate trail systems. This description adds further details of previous nest descriptions. These new findings have conservation implications due to the fact that original habitat degradation is rapidly occurring, not only due to cattle pastures, croplands, orchards, and human settlements, but also to a fast growing wind farm and highway development projects in the region.

A review of nest and egg descriptions for the genus Myrmeciza, with the first description of nests and eggs of the dull-mantled antbird (M. laemosticta)

We review published information on the nests and eggs of members of the polyphyletic genus of antbirds, Myrmeciza, and present the first descriptions of nests and eggs of the Dull-mantled Antbird M. laemosticta, based on three nests found in Costa Rica. We identify three distinct nest architectures within the group: bulky, bottom-supported, open cups of coarse vegetative matter; rim-suspended open cups of neatly woven fine materials; and bulky domed nests made of coarse vegetative materials. The majority of described nests (eight) belong to the first category, but the nests of M. atrothorax and M. hemimelaena have unique architectural characters which may prove to be phylogenetically informative. The nests of M. laemosticta are rim-suspended, open cups made of fibers, similar to those of M. palliata and M. hyperythra. As molecular data suggest that M. hyperythra is more closely related to Schistocichla than to M. laemosticta and M. palliata, these likely represent independent derivations of the rim-suspended architecture. M. melanoceps, M. goeldii, and M. fortis belong to the third architectural group, united by the construction of domed nests similar to hypothesized relatives. We conclude that nest architecture is phylogenetically informative within this group and supports molecular-based hypotheses. However, more nest descriptions are needed for all species, in particular M. longipes, M. berlepschi, M. pelzelni, and M. disjuncta; and future descriptions should include architectural details such as the manner in which nests are supported by or attached to their substrate.